Cloth tape and fiber product

ABSTRACT

An object is to provide a cloth tape having flame retardancy and a fiber product, and means for achieving the object is a cloth tape formed from an organic fiber, which has an afterflame time of 2.0 seconds or less, as measured in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method ( 12 -second heating method).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cloth tape being usable as a constituent member of a fiber product and having flame retardancy, and a fiber product obtained using the cloth tape.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, a cloth tape usable as a constituent member of a fiber product has been proposed in, for example, PTL 1.

Meanwhile, in the fields of protective clothing, fire-fighting fireproof clothing, fire fighting clothing, rescue clothing, a flame-retardant workwear, a police uniform, Self-Defense Forces official clothing, military clothing, and the like, flame retardancy is demanded.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   PTL 1: JP-A-2002-249959

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the invention is to provide a cloth tape being usable as a constituent member of a fiber product and having flame retardancy and a fiber product obtained using the cloth tape.

Solution to Problem

The present inventors have conducted extensive and intensive studies with a view toward achieving the above-mentioned object. As a result, it has been found that, by using a flame-retardant fiber for obtaining a cloth tape, a cloth tape having flame retardancy can be obtained, and extensive and intensive studies have been further made, and thus the present invention has been completed.

According to the invention, there is provided “a cloth tape comprising an organic fiber, characterized in that the cloth tape has an afterflame time of 2.0 seconds or less, as measured in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method (12-second heating method).”

In the invention, it is preferred that the cloth tape has an afterglow time of 3.0 seconds or less and a carbonized length of 10 cm or less, as measured in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method. Further, it is preferred that the width of the cloth tape is in the range of from 1 to 30 cm. It is preferred that the cloth tape is constituted by knitted fabric. It is preferred that the cloth tape contains a wholly aromatic polyamide fiber. It is preferred that the cloth tape contains a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber in an amount of 30% by weight or more, based on the weight of the cloth tape. It is preferred that the cloth tape contains a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber in an amount of 50 to 99% by weight, based on the weight of the cloth tape. It is preferred that the cloth tape contains a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber in an amount of 2 to 20% by weight, based on the weight of the cloth tape. It is preferred that the cloth tape has been subjected to dyeing processing.

In the cloth tape of the invention, it is preferred that the cloth tape has a bent portion. In this case, it is preferred that the traveling direction of the bent portion is consistent with the longitudinal direction or width direction of the cloth tape. Further, it is preferred that the width of the bent portion is in the range of from 0.3 to 20 cm. It is preferred that the bent portion has a stretch ratio of 10% or more. It is preferred that the bent portion has a bending rate defined by the formula below of 1.1 or more:

Bending rate=[B+(A×2×(the number of bending))]/B

A: the thickness of the bent portion (cm),

B: the width of the bent portion (cm).

In the cloth tape of the invention, it is preferred that the cloth tape has a mesh portion. In this case, it is preferred that the mesh portion has an opening ratio of 20% or more.

Further, it is preferred that the mesh portion has a width of 1 to 5 cm and continues in the longitudinal direction of the cloth tape. It is preferred that the cloth tape has non-mesh portions having an opening ratio of 10% or less on both sides of the mesh portion which continues in the longitudinal direction. It is preferred that the cloth tape has a fabric covering at least part of the mesh portion. It is preferred that the fabric is capable of being opened and closed.

According to the invention, there is provided a fiber product which comprises the above-mentioned cloth tape, and which is any one fiber product selected from the group consisting of protective clothing, fire-fighting fireproof clothing, fire fighting clothing, rescue clothing, a workwear, a police uniform, Self-Defense Forces official clothing, and military clothing.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

By the present invention, there can be obtained a cloth tape being usable as a constituent member of a fiber product and having flame retardancy and a fiber product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 An example of a perspective view of the cloth tape of the present invention. The cloth tape continues in the longitudinal direction (L direction).

FIG. 2 An example of a knitted fabric structure diagram which can be used in producing the cloth tape of the invention.

FIG. 3 An example of a perspective view of the cloth tape of the invention. The cloth tape continues in the longitudinal direction.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinbelow, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the invention, it is necessary that the cloth tape have an afterflame time of 2.0 seconds or less (preferably 0.001 to 1.0 second), as measured in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method (12-second heating method) . When the afterflame time is more than 2.0 seconds, satisfactory flame retardancy cannot be secured, leading to a danger that the cloth tape catches fire when exposed to a flame or the like.

Particularly, it is preferred that the cloth tape has an afterglow time of 3.0 seconds or less and a carbonized length of 10 cm or less, as measured in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method (12-second heating method).

For obtaining such flame retardancy, it is preferred that a flame-retardant material is used as at least part of a main body fabric for the cloth tape. The cloth tape may be subjected to flame-retardancy processing.

Examples of flame-retardant materials include meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fibers, para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fibers, flame-retardant rayon fibers, modacrylic fibers, flame-retardant acrylic fibers, and flame-retardant vinylon fibers, and there is no particular limitation. When subjected to flame-retardancy processing, the material is not particularly limited.

It is more preferred that the cloth tape contains at least a wholly aromatic polyamide fiber. Further, it is more preferred that a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber is contained in the cloth tape in an amount of 30% by weight or more (more preferably 50 to 99% by weight), based on the weight of the cloth tape. When the weight percentage of the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber is less than 30% by weight, based on the weight of the cloth tape, there is a possibility that satisfactory flame retardancy cannot be obtained and carbonization is caused when exposed to a flame so that the cloth tape becomes brittle.

Further, it is preferred that the cloth tape contains a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber in an amount of 2 to 20% by weight, based on the weight of the cloth tape. When the weight percentage of the para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber is less than 2% by weight, based on the weight of the cloth tape, there is a possibility that the cloth tape suffers marked shrinkage when exposed to a flame. Conversely, when the weight percentage is more than 20% by weight, there is a possibility that the cloth tape is hardened to cause the wearing comfortability to become poor.

It is preferred that the cloth tape is constituted by only a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber and/or a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber. Particularly, it is preferred that the cloth tape is formed from only a spun yarn obtained by blending a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber and a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber.

The meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber is a fiber formed from a polymer in which 85 mol % or more of the repeating units are m-phenyleneisophthalamide. The meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide may be a copolymer containing a third component in the range of less than 15 mol %.

The meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide can be produced by a conventionally known interfacial polymerization method, and there is preferably used a polymer having, in terms of the degree of polymerization, an intrinsic viscosity (I.V.) in the range of from 1.3 to 1.9 dl/g, as measured in the form of an N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone solution at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml.

The meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide may contain an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid onium salt. Preferred examples of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid onium salts include compounds, such as tetrabutylphosphonium hexylbenzenesulfonate, tributylbenzylphosphonium hexylbenzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, tributyltetradecylphosphonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and tributylbenzylammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate. Of these, tetrabutylphosphonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate or tributylbenzylammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is especially preferred because they are easily available and have excellent thermal stability as well as high solubility in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

For obtaining a satisfactory improvement effect for dyeing properties, the amount of the alkylbenzenesulfonic acid onium salt contained is preferably 2.5 mol % or more (more preferably 3.0 to 7.0 mol %), based on the mole of poly-m-phenyleneisophthalamide.

With respect to the method for mixing poly-m-phenyleneisophthalamide with an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid onium salt, there is used a method in which poly-m-phenyleneisophthalamide is mixed and dissolved in a solvent and then an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid onium salt is dissolved in the solvent, or the like, and any method may be used. The thus obtained dope is formed into a fiber by a conventionally known method.

For the purpose of improving the dyeing properties and the resistance to discoloration and color fading and the like, in the polymer used in the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber, which has an aromatic polyamide skeleton having repeating structural units represented by the formula (1) below, an aromatic diamine component different from the main constituent units of the repeating structure, or an aromatic dicarboxylic acid halide component can be copolymerized as a third component with the aromatic polyamide skeleton so that the amount of the third component becomes 1 to 10 mol %, based on the total mole of the repeating structural units of the aromatic polyamide.

—(NH—Ar1—NH—CO—Ar1—CO)—  Formula (1)

wherein Ar1 is a divalent aromatic group having a bonding group at a position other than the meta position or the parallel axis direction.

Further, another component can be copolymerized as a third component. Specific examples of aromatic diamines represented by the formulae (2) and (3) include p-phenylenediamine, chlorophenylenediamine, methylphenylenediamine, acetylphenylenediamine, aminoanisidine, benzidine, bis(aminophenyl) ether, bis(aminophenyl) sulfone, diaminobenzanilide, and diaminoazobenzene. Specific examples of aromatic dicarboxylic acid dichlorides represented by the formulae (4) and (5) include terephthaloyl chloride, 1,4-naphthalenedicarbonyl chloride, 2,6-naphthalenedicarbonyl chloride, 4,4′-biphenyldicarbonyl chloride, 5-chloroisophthaloyl chloride, 5-methoxyisophthaloyl chloride, and bis(chlorocarbonylphenyl) ether.

H₂N—Ar2—NH₂   Formula (2)

H₂N—Ar2—Y—Ar2—NH₂   Formula (3)

XOC—Ar3—COX   Formula (4)

XOC—Ar3—Y—Ar3—COX   Formula (5)

wherein Ar2 represents a divalent aromatic group different from Ar1, Ar3 represents a divalent aromatic group different from Ar1, Y represents at least one atom or functional group selected from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and an alkylene group, and X represents a halogen atom.

The crystallinity of the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber is preferably 5 to 35% because the absorption for a dye is excellent such that an intended color can be easily achieved even when using the dye in a reduced amount or even under poor dyeing conditions. Further, the crystallinity is more preferably 15 to 25% because localization of a dye in the surface is unlikely to occur and a high resistance to discoloration and color fading is obtained and further dimensional stability required for the practical use can be secured.

The residual solvent content of the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber is preferably 0.1% by weight or less because excellent flame retardancy of the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber is not sacrificed and localization of a dye in the surface is unlikely to occur and a high resistance to discoloration and color fading is obtained.

The meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber can be produced by the method mentioned below. By the below-mentioned method, the crystallinity and residual solvent content in the above-mentioned respective ranges can be achieved.

With respect to the polymerization method for the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide polymer, there is no particular limitation, and, for example, the solution polymerization method or interfacial polymerization method described in JP-B-35-14399, U.S. Pat. No. 3,360,595, JP-B-47-10863, or the like may be used.

The spinning solution is not particularly limited, but an amide-solvent solution containing an aromatic copolyamide polymer obtained by the above-mentioned solution polymerization, interfacial polymerization, or the like may be used, or a solution obtained by isolating the polymer from the above-mentioned polymerization solution and dissolving the polymer in an amide solvent may be used.

As examples of the amide solvents used, there can be mentioned N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and dimethyl sulfoxide, but N,N-dimethylacetamide is especially preferred.

When the copolymerized aromatic polyamide polymer solution obtained as mentioned above further contains an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt, the solution is stabilized and can be advantageously used in a higher concentration at low temperatures. The amount of the alkali metal salt and alkaline earth metal salt is preferably 1% by weight or less (more preferably 0.1% by weight or less), based on the weight of the polymer solution.

In the spinning and coagulation steps, the above-obtained spinning solution (meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide polymer solution) is discharged into a coagulation liquid so as to suffer coagulation.

With respect to the spinning apparatus, there is no particular limitation, and a conventionally known wet spinning apparatus can be used. Further, with respect to the number of spinning pores of a spinning nozzle, the arrangement of the pores, the form of the pore, and the like, there is no particular limitation as long as wet spinning can be stably made, and, for example, a multipole spinning nozzle for rayon yarn having 1,000 to 30,000 pores and having a spinning pore diameter of 0.05 to 0.2 mm or the like may be used.

Further, the temperature of the spinning solution (meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide polymer solution) being discharged from a spinning nozzle is preferably in the range of from 20 to 90° C.

As a coagulation bath used for obtaining a fiber, an amide solvent containing substantially no inorganic salt (preferably an aqueous solution having an NMP concentration of 45 to 60% by mass) at a bath solution temperature in the range of from 10 to 50° C. is used. When the amide solvent (preferably NMP) concentration is less than 45% by mass, there is a possibility that a structure having a thick skin is disadvantageously formed, so that the washing efficiency in the washing step is lowered, making it difficult to reduce the residual solvent content of the fiber. On the other hand, when the amide solvent (preferably NMP) concentration is more than 60% by mass, there is a possibility that uniform coagulation throughout the inside of the fiber cannot be achieved, making it difficult to reduce the residual solvent content of the fiber. The time for immersing the fiber in the coagulation bath is preferably in the range of from 0.1 to 30 seconds.

Subsequently, in a plasticized draw bath containing an aqueous solution having an amide solvent (preferably NMP) concentration of 45 to 60% by mass at a bath solution temperature in the range of from 10 to 50° C., the fiber is subjected to drawing at a draw ratio of 3 to 4 times. After drawing, the fiber is well washed through an aqueous solution having an NMP concentration of 20 to 40% by mass at 10 to 30° C. and further through a warm water bath at 50 to 70° C.

The fiber after being washed is subjected to dry heat treatment at a temperature of 270 to 290° C., obtaining a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber satisfying the crystallinity and residual solvent content in the above-mentioned respective ranges.

In the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber, the fiber may be either a continuous fiber (multifilament) or a short fiber. Particularly, in view of blending with another fiber, a short fiber having a fiber length of 25 to 200 mm is preferred. Further, the single fiber fineness is preferably in the range of from 1 to 5 dtex.

Examples of commercially available products of meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fibers include Conex (trade name), Conex neo (trade name), and Nomex (trade name).

The para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber is representatively Technora (trade name), Kevlar (trade name), and Twaron (trade name) , and is a fiber formed from a polyamide having an aromatic ring in the principal chain thereof, and may be poly-p-phenyleneterephthalamide (PPTA) or copoly-paraphenylene-3,4′oxydiphenyleneterephthalamide (PPODPA) which is of a copolymer type.

In the cloth tape of the invention, the first embodiment has a bent portion. In the invention, the term “bent portion” means that, as viewed on the transverse section of the cloth tape shown in FIG. 1, rib portions on the top surface and rib portions on the bottom surface are alternately formed (that is, a corrugated surface is formed). By virtue of having such a bent portion, the cloth tape has stretchability.

In the cloth tape of the invention, the width W1 of the cloth tape is preferably in the range of from 1 to 30 cm (more preferably 2 to 10 cm). When the width W1 is smaller than 1 cm, there is a possibility that satisfactory stretchability cannot be obtained. Conversely, when the width W1 is larger than 30 cm, there is a possibility that the handling properties of the cloth tape become poor.

It is preferred that the traveling direction of the bent portion (traveling direction of the wave) is consistent with the longitudinal direction or width direction of the cloth tape. In FIG. 1, the traveling direction of the bent portion is consistent with the width direction (W direction) of the cloth tape.

Further, the W2 width of the bent portion is preferably in the range of from 0.3 to 20 cm (more preferably 1 to 8 cm). When the width W2 is smaller than 0.3 cm, there is a possibility that satisfactory stretchability cannot be obtained. Conversely, when the width W2 is larger than 20 cm, there is a possibility that the handling properties of the cloth tape become poor.

The thickness of the bent portion is preferably in the range of from 1 to 10 mm.

For obtaining excellent stretchability, the bent portion preferably has a bending rate defined by the formula below of 1.1 or more (more preferably 1.3 to 10).

(Bending rate)=[B+(A×2×(the number of bending))]/B

A: the thickness of the bent portion (cm),

B: the width of the bent portion (cm).

Further, the bent portion preferably has a stretch ratio of 10% or more (more preferably 25% or more, especially preferably 50 to 300%) . When the stretch ratio is smaller than 10%, there is a possibility that the wearing comfortability becomes poor.

The cloth structure of the cloth tape is not limited, but the cloth tape is preferably constituted by woven fabric and/or knitted fabric. Particularly, the cloth tape constituted by knitted fabric is preferred. Especially, denbign knitted fabric is preferred.

With respect to the method for producing the cloth tape, the cloth tape can be produced by, for example, the method described in JP-A-2010-285721 at paragraph 0029 or the like. Specifically, for example, knitting is preferably performed in which, using a needle on the surface side of double raschel knitting machines, denbign stitched portions (surface-side main knitted portions) having a predetermined width are knitted in the weft direction at predetermined intervals, while, using a needle on the back side, denbign stitched portions (back-side main knitted portions) having a predetermined width are similarly knitted in the weft direction at predetermined intervals, and further the phase of the back-side main knitted portions arranged in parallel shifts in the weft direction with respect to that of the surface-side main knitted portions so that each back-side main knitted portion is positioned in the center between the surface-side main knitted portions. In this instance, it is preferred that the side edge of the surface-side main knitted portion and the side edge of the adjacent back-side main knitted portion are connect-knitted together in the warp direction by double chain stitch or double denbign stitch (connect-knitted portion), knitting on both sides of the knitted fabric respective selvedge portions with the same knitted fabric structure as that of the connect-knitted portion.

It is more preferred that the tape is dyed. When the tape is capable of being dyed, it becomes possible to perform a procedure in which colorless fabric is prepared and dyed according to the use or demand and then shipped. Further, when forming a fiber product using the cloth tape, the cloth tape can be dyed with a color in accordance with the color of cloth of the other part of the fiber product.

Further, other various types of processing for adding a flame retardant, a water absorber, a water repellent, a thermal storage agent, an ultraviolet light screening agent, an antistatic agent, an anti-fungus agent, a deodorant, a mothproofing agent, a mosquito repellent, a phosphorescent agent, a retroreflective agent, or the like may be applied.

The cloth tape has the above-mentioned construction, and therefore has not only flame retardancy but also stretchability.

A fiber product according to the first embodiment is a fiber product which is obtained using the above-mentioned cloth tape in a part thereof, and which is any one fiber product selected from the group consisting of protective clothing, fire-fighting fireproof clothing, fire fighting clothing, rescue clothing, a flame-retardant workwear, a police uniform, Self-Defense Forces official clothing, and military clothing.

The cloth tape is preferably disposed partially on a part for a joint, such as shoulder, elbow, or knee, or the like. In this case, the fiber constituting a part other than the cloth tape is preferably a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber and/or a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber.

The fiber product uses the above-described cloth tape, and therefore has excellent characteristic feature such that it has not only flame retardancy but also stretchability.

In the cloth tape of the invention, the second embodiment has a mesh portion. The mesh portion preferably has an opening ratio defined by the formula below of 20% or more (more preferably 30 to 60%) . When the opening ratio is less than 20%, there is a possibility that satisfactory air permeability cannot be obtained, so that the comfortability becomes poor.

Opening ratio=(C/D)×100(%)

wherein C is a total area of void portions surrounded by a fiber portion obtained when the fabric is projected, and D is a total of the area of the void portions and the area of the fiber portion.

It is preferred that the mesh portion has a width of 1 to 5 cm and continues in the longitudinal direction of the cloth tape. When the width is smaller than 1 cm, there is a possibility that the air permeability becomes poor. Conversely, when the width is larger than 5 cm, there is a danger that a flame passes through the mesh portion.

Further, it is preferred that the cloth tape has non-mesh portions (low air-permeability portions) on both sides of the mesh portion which continues in the longitudinal direction because the structure of the cloth tape is stabilized. In this case, the opening ratio of the non-mesh portion is preferably 10% or less. When the opening ratio of the non-mesh portion is larger than 10%, there is a possibility that, in a fiber product to which the cloth tape is attached using a sewing yarn, for example, the yarn moves out of the position to cause the cloth tape to be unstable.

It is preferred that the cloth tape has a double structure such that it has a fabric (flap portion) covering the mesh portion because a flame is unlikely to pass through the mesh portion. In this case, the fabric covering the mesh portion is preferably one of which the above-mentioned opening ratio is less than 20% (non-mesh). The fabric is woven fabric, knitted fabric or the like and is not particularly limited, but is preferably warp knitted fabric, and the mesh portion and the non-mesh portion of the cloth tape are more preferably integrally formed.

For obtaining excellent flame retardancy, as a main body fabric for the cloth tape (fabric having a mesh portion) and a fabric covering the mesh portion, the above-mentioned flame-retardant material is used, or fabric may be subjected to flame retardancy post-processing.

It is preferred that the cloth tape is constituted by woven fabric and/or knitted fabric. The cloth tape may be one which is constituted solely by woven fabric or knitted fabric, and may be one which is obtained by connecting woven fabric and knitted fabric together by sewing using a sewing yarn. The woven fabric is preferably plain woven fabric, twill woven fabric, satin woven fabric, or the like, but is not particularly limited. The knitted fabric is circular knitted fabric (weft knitted fabric), warp knitted fabric, or the like and is not particularly limited, but is more preferably warp knitted fabric because the structure of the cloth tape is stabilized. The width of the cloth tape is preferably 1 to 30 cm (more preferably 2 to 10 cm).

With respect to the method for producing the cloth tape, as described in, for example, JP-A-2002-249959, the cloth tape can be produced by means of double raschel knitting machines.

It is more preferred that the cloth tape is dyed. When the cloth tape is capable of being dyed, it becomes possible to perform a procedure in which colorless fabric is prepared and dyed according to the use or demand and then shipped. Further, when forming a fiber product using the cloth tape, the cloth tape can be dyed with a color in accordance with the color of cloth of the other part of the fiber product.

Further, other various types of processing for adding a flame retardant, a water absorber, a water repellent, a thermal storage agent, an ultraviolet light screening agent, an antistatic agent, an anti-fungus agent, a deodorant, a mothproofing agent, a mosquito repellent, a phosphorescent agent, a retroreflective agent, or the like may be applied.

The fiber product of the invention is a fiber product which is obtained using the above-mentioned cloth tape in a part thereof, and which is any one fiber product selected from the group consisting of protective clothing, fire-fighting fireproof clothing, fire fighting clothing, rescue clothing, a flame-retardant workwear, a police uniform, Self-Defense Forces official clothing, and military clothing.

When the cloth tape has a fabric covering the opening portion, it is preferred that the fabric is disposed on the open air side. Further, it is preferred that the cloth tape is not used in the whole of the fiber product but used only in apart of the fiber product, such as apart for armpit, through which sweat is likely to come, or of which the body temperature is unlikely to lower. In this case, the fiber constituting a part other than the cloth tape is preferably a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber and/or a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber.

A fiber product according to the second embodiment is obtained using the above-mentioned cloth, and therefore has excellent characteristic feature such that it has both high air permeability and flame retardancy.

EXAMPLES

Hereinbelow, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following Examples and Comparative Examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

(1) Flammability

With both ends of a cloth tape was sewn woven fabric, which had been prepared using the same spun yarn as used for knitting the cloth tape, using a sewing yarn made of 100% of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber so that the resultant tape had a predetermined width, and measurement of the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method (12-second heating method) was performed.

(2) Stretch Ratio

A plurality of cloth tapes were sewn and connected together in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape using a sewing yarn made of 100% of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber so that the resultant tape had a predetermined size, and a stretch ratio was measured in accordance with the method prescribed in JIS L1096 8.16 B method.

(3) Bending Rate

Bending rate=[B+(A×2×(the number of bending))]/B

A: the thickness of the bent portion (cm)

B: the width of the bent portion (cm)

(4) Opening Ratio

An opening ratio was calculated from the following formula.

Opening ratio=(C/D)×100(%)

wherein C is a total area of void portions surrounded by a fiber portion obtained when the fabric is projected, and D is a total of the area of the void portions and the area of the fiber portion.

Example 1

Using only a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn which is made of staple fibers of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Conex (trade name) MA) and a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Twaron (trade name) PA) (both staple fibers having a fiber length of 51 mm) and which is obtained by blending the fibers in a mass ratio of MA/PA=95/5, knitting of warp knitted fabric was conducted by means of double raschel machines with the knitted fabric structure shown in FIG. 2. Then, the resultant fabric was scoured by a general method, and the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber was dyed and then, the fabric was fixed using a pin while extending it so that the width of the bent portion became 1.3 times, and subjected to heat setting to obtain a cloth tape having a bending rate of 1.45. The width was 4 cm, and the thickness of the bent portion was 3 mm. Further, as seen in FIG. 1, the traveling direction of the bent portion was consistent with the width direction of the cloth tape.

The obtained cloth tape had a stretch ratio of 121%, and had flame retardancy such that the afterflame time was 0.1 second, the afterglow time was 1.2 seconds, and the carbonized length was 6.0 cm.

Then, a fiber product (protective clothing) was produced using the above-obtained cloth tape in a part for shoulder of the fiber product and using in the other part woven fabric which was prepared by a general method using a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn which is made of staple fibers of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Conex (trade name)) MA and a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Twaron (trade name)) PA (both staple fibers having a fiber length of 51 mm) and which is obtained by blending the fibers in a mass ratio of MA/PA=95/5. A test performer wore the fiber product, and, as a result, it was found that the fiber product had excellent stretchability so that the test performer felt very comfortable.

Comparative Example 1

Procedure was performed in substantially the same manner as in Example 1 except that the spun yarn was changed to a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn made solely of a polyester fiber.

The obtained cloth tape had a bending rate of 1.58 and a stretch ratio of 132%, but suffered complete combustion in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method (12-second heating method) and thus had no flame retardancy. Further, a fiber product (protective clothing) was produced using the obtained cloth tape in a part for shoulder of the fiber product and using in the other part woven fabric which was prepared by a general method using a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn which is made of staple fibers of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Conex (trade name)) MA and a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Twaron (trade name)) PA (both staple fibers having a fiber length of 51 mm) and which is obtained by blending the fibers in a mass ratio of MA/PA=95/5.

A test performer wore the fiber product, and, as a result, it was found that the fiber product had excellent stretchability.

Example 2

Procedure was performed in substantially the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cloth tape was extended so that the width of the bent portion became 2.6 times and subjected to heat setting to obtain a cloth tape having a bending rate of 1.03.

The obtained cloth tape had unsatisfactory stretchability such that the stretch ratio was 23%, but, with respect to the flammability, the cloth tape had flame retardancy such that the afterflame time was 0.2 second, the afterglow time was 1.1 seconds, and the carbonized length was 5.3 cm.

Then, a fiber product (protective clothing) was produced using the above-obtained cloth tape in a part for shoulder of the fiber product (protective clothing) and using in the other part woven fabric which was prepared by a general method using a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn which is made of staple fibers of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Conex (trade name)) MA and a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Twaron (trade name)) PA (both staple fibers having a fiber length of 51 mm) and which is obtained by blending the fibers in a mass ratio of MA/PA=95/5.

A test performer wore the fiber product, and, as a result, it was found that the stretchability at the part for shoulder was poor, as compared to that of the fiber product obtained in Example 1.

Example 3

Using a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn which is made of staple fibers of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Conex (trade name) MA) and a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Twaron (trade name) PA) (both staple fibers having a fiber length of 51 mm) and which is obtained by blending the fibers in a mass ratio of MA/PA=95/5, knitting of warp knitted fabric was conducted by means of double raschel machines to knit a cloth tape shown in FIG. 3. In this instance, a mesh portion (opening ratio: 350%), a non-mesh portion (opening ratio: 7%), and a flap portion (opening ratio: 7%) were integrally formed.

Then, the resultant tape was scoured by a general method, and subjected to dyeing processing to dye the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber, followed by heat setting.

The obtained cloth tape had flame retardancy such that, as measured in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method (12-second heating method), the afterflame was 0.7 second, the afterglow was 0.9 second, and the carbonized length was 4.8 cm. Further, a fiber product (protective clothing) was produced using the obtained cloth tape in apart for armpit of the fiber product and using in the other part woven fabric which was prepared by a general method using a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn which is made of staple fibers of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Conex (trade name) MA) and a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Twaron (trade name) PA) (both staple fibers having a fiber length of 51 mm) and which is obtained by blending the fibers in a mass ratio of MA/PA=95/5.

A test performer wore the fiber product, and, as a result, it was found that the air permeability at the part for armpit was excellent so that the test performer felt very comfortable.

Comparative Example 2

Procedure was performed in substantially the same manner as in Example 3 except that a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn made solely of a polyester fiber was used.

The obtained cloth tape suffered complete combustion in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method (12-second heating method) and thus had no flame retardancy. Further, a fiber product (protective clothing) was produced using the obtained cloth tape in a part for armpit of the fiber product and using in the other part woven fabric which was prepared by a general method using a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn which is made of staple fibers of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Conex (trade name) MA) and a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Twaron (trade name) PA) (both staple fibers having a fiber length of 51 mm) and which is obtained by blending the fibers in a mass ratio of MA/PA=95/5.

A test performer wore the fiber product, and, as a result, it was found that the air permeability at the part for armpit was excellent.

Example 4

Procedure was performed in substantially the same manner as in Example 3 except that the opening ratios were individually changed as follows: mesh portion (opening ratio: 10%), non-mesh portion (opening ratio: 5%), and flap fabric (opening ratio: 5%).

The obtained cloth tape had flame retardancy such that, as measured in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method (12-second heating method), the afterflame time was 0.9 second, the afterglow time was 1.1 seconds, and the carbonized length was 5.3 cm. Further, a fiber product (protective clothing) was produced using the obtained cloth tape in a part for armpit of the fiber product and using in the other part woven fabric which was prepared by a general method using a spun yarn No. 40 (yarn count)/two folded yarn which is made of staple fibers of a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Conex (trade name) MA) and a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber (Twaron (trade name) PA) (both staple fibers having a fiber length of 51 mm) and which is obtained by blending the fibers in a mass ratio of MA/PA=95/5.

A test performer wore the fiber product, and, as a result, it was found that the air permeability at the part for armpit was lower than that of the fiber product obtained in Example 3.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

By the present invention, there are provided a cloth tape having flame retardancy and a fiber product, and they are of extremely great commercial significance.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1: Mesh portion -   2: Flap portion -   3: Non-mesh portion 

1. A cloth tape comprising an organic fiber, characterized in that the cloth tape has an afterflame time of 2.0 seconds or less, as measured in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method (12-second heating method).
 2. The cloth tape according to claim 1, which has an afterglow time of 3.0 seconds or less and a carbonized length of 10 cm or less, as measured in the flammability prescribed in JIS L1091-1999 A-4 method.
 3. The cloth tape according to claim 1, wherein the width of the cloth tape is in the range of from 1 to 30 cm.
 4. The cloth tape according to claim 1, wherein the cloth tape is constituted by knitted fabric.
 5. The cloth tape according to claim 1, wherein the cloth tape contains a wholly aromatic polyamide fiber.
 6. The cloth tape according to claim 1, wherein the cloth tape contains a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber in an amount of 30% by weight or more, based on the weight of the cloth tape.
 7. The cloth tape according to any claim 1, wherein the cloth tape contains a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber in an amount of 50 to 99% by weight, based on the weight of the cloth tape.
 8. The cloth tape according to claim 1, wherein the cloth tape contains a para-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber in an amount of 2 to 20% by weight, based on the weight of the cloth tape.
 9. The cloth tape according to claim 1, wherein the cloth tape has been subjected to dyeing processing.
 10. The cloth tape according to claim 1, wherein the cloth tape has a bent portion.
 11. The cloth tape according to claim 10, wherein the traveling direction of the bent portion is consistent with the longitudinal direction or width direction of the cloth tape.
 12. The cloth tape according to claim 10, wherein the width of the bent portion is in the range of from 0.3 to 20 cm.
 13. The cloth tape according to claim 10, wherein the bent portion has a stretch ratio of 10% or more.
 14. The cloth tape according to claim 10, wherein the bent portion has a bending rate defined by the formula below of 1.1 or more: Bending rate=[B+(A×2×(the number of bending))]/B A: the thickness of the bent portion (cm), B: the width of the bent portion (cm).
 15. The cloth tape according to claim 1, wherein the cloth tape has a mesh portion.
 16. The cloth tape according to claim 15, wherein the mesh portion has an opening ratio of 20% or more.
 17. The cloth tape according to claim 15, wherein the mesh portion has a width of 1 to 5 cm and continues in the longitudinal direction of the cloth tape.
 18. The cloth tape according to claim 15, which has non-mesh portions having an opening ratio of 10% or less on both sides of the mesh portion which continues in the longitudinal direction.
 19. The cloth tape according to claim 15, which has a fabric covering at least part of the mesh portion.
 20. The cloth tape according to claim 19, wherein the fabric is capable of being opened and closed.
 21. A fiber product comprising the cloth tape according to claim 1, which is any one fiber product selected from the group consisting of protective clothing, fire-fighting fireproof clothing, fire fighting clothing, rescue clothing, a workwear, a police uniform, Self-Defense Forces official clothing, and military clothing. 